Abuja [Nigeria], March 4: The Islamic police in the northern Nigerian state of Kano have arrested Muslims seen eating and drinking publicly, as well as those selling food at the start of Ramadan, when Muslims are supposed to fast from dawn until dusk.
The deputy commander of the Hisbah, Mujahid Aminudeen, told the BBC that 20 people had been arrested for not fasting and five for selling food, and that the operations would continue throughout the month, which began on Saturday.
"It is important to note that we don't concern ourselves with non-Muslims," he said. Aminudeen said any "disrespect" for Ramadan would not be condoned.
"It's heart-breaking that in such a holy month meant for fasting, adult Muslims would be seen eating and drinking publicly. We won't condone that and that's why we went out to make arrests," he said.
He said all had been charged in a Sharia court and would be punished accordingly. The Hisbah official added that they sometimes get tip-offs when people are seen eating.
"We do get calls from people who are enraged after seeing people eating in public and we act fast by going to the area to make arrests." He also confirmed the arrest of other people who were seen with "inappropriate haircuts", wearing shorts above the knee and tricycle drivers mixing male and female passengers.
Last year, those arrested for not fasting were freed after promising to fast, while the relatives or guardians of some of them were summoned and ordered to monitor them. (Agencies)
Source: Qatar Tribune
